Hisako Taira

September 21, 1920 - July 15, 2020

With great sadness, the family of Hisako Lily Taira announces her passing on July 15, 2020 in Kahului at the age of 99. She was the eldest of 10 children born on September 21, 1920 in Paia to Kame and Kamei Kohatsu. Her husband Isamu passed in 1986. Lily attended Paia School and Kanda Jogako (finishing school) where she learned Japanese arts, culture and etiquette that remained guiding influences in her daily life. Her first job at age 14 was at Hokama Store where she worked for room and board while attending Kanda Jogako for 2 years. She worked at Paia Store, A&B Supermarket, Star Market Kahului and Kihei and retired in 1983. For many years, she enjoyed the fellowship at Kahului Hongwanji where she served as treasurer of the women’s group and helped in any way she could. A student of Ikebana for 30 years, she created beautiful arrangements with plants and flowers from her yard for club exhibitions and family enjoyment. Lily was conscientious, hard working and always strived to better herself. She liked to sew, make kimonos for her grand & great grandchildren, garden, make beautiful satin and ti leaf lei, and watch UH sports but her absolute favorite was to travel with and/or to visit family. Education was important to her as she did not have that opportunity so she attended all family graduations with such enthusiasm and pride no matter how far she had to travel. Meticulous in everything she did, she was also kind, generous, funny, loving and nurturing while encouraging family members to always try their best. Likewise, she always tried her best to take care of herself by eating healthy, staying independent and active and learning something new every day; she learned Scrabble and Word Search in her 90’s. Blessed with good health for 96 years, she has left us a legacy of wonderful memories and values to remember her by. Remaining to cherish her memory is son Russell (Wanda) Taira, daughter Sharon (Jarrel) Nakamura; grandchildren Jamie Lynn (Scott) Larocco (NV), Nicole (Dustin) Kim Seu (WA), Kiley (Haruka) Nakamura, Reid (Annie) Nakamura (AZ), Jay Nakamura; great grandchildren Leah & Lauren Larocco, Noah & Mila Kim Seu, Kase & Sophie Nakamura; sisters Mitzi (Ed deceased) Bartos of CA, Jeanette Kohatsu, Elaine (Chester) Yamato; brother Hisao (Kathleen) Kohatsu; many nieces & nephews. Passed siblings are Jean Herbst (VA), Betty Kishimoto, Sukichi Kohatsu, Fusae Segal (MI), Raymond Kohatsu. Our family will be forever grateful for the excellent care and friendship received from Hale Makua North neighborhood staff and Islands Hospice and for making our Lily’s last years such happy ones. We would also like to thank Nakamura Mortuary and Reverend Tennes of Kahului Hongwanji for their guidance and assistance. Private services will be held at a later date. Family kindly requests no koden